Cable Cross-Linked Layer Using Amine Co-Crosslinking Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peroxide-based crosslinking agents in polymer compositions generate low molecular weight by-products that reduce aging and electrical stability, requiring additional equipment and processes to manage, and alternative crosslinking agents either have unsuitable crosslinking speeds or are not suitable for non-halogen based polymers.
Innovation Solution
A cable with a cross-linked layer obtained from a polymer composition comprising a polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an amine co-crosslinking agent with a nucleophilic value of 14 or more, specifically using polyepoxides or polycarboxylic acids, which allows for fast and controlled crosslinking without generating by-products, suitable for non-halogen based polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If peroxide based crosslinking agents are used, then crosslinking speed is improved, but aging stability and electrical stability deteriorate due to by-products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes peroxide-based crosslinking agents from the composition entirely, extracting the harmful by-product generation mechanism while retaining crosslinking functionality through alternative agents (carboxyl group-containing polymer + polyamine, or epoxy group-containing polymer + quaternary ammonium/phosphonium salt). This eliminates the source of low molecular weight by-products that compromise long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by selecting crosslinking agents with different reaction mechanisms and by-products profiles. The alternative crosslinking agents produce minimal or different types of by-products that do not vaporize and damage the product appearance or compromise electrical stability, thus changing the chemical composition parameters to achieve both fast crosslinking and high reliability.
2Reliability
If alternative crosslinking agents (polyamines, diamine carbamates, etc.) are used, then by-product issues are reduced, but crosslinking speed becomes too fast or too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight, functional group content, and chemical structure parameters of the crosslinking agents to achieve balanced crosslinking speeds. By carefully selecting polyamines with appropriate molecular weights and functional group densities, or quaternary ammonium/phosphonium salts with specific structural characteristics, the crosslinking speed is tuned to be commercially viable—neither too fast (causing scorch) nor too slow (requiring excessive post-curing).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite crosslinking systems by combining polymers with carboxyl or epoxy groups with specific crosslinking agents (polyamines or quaternary ammonium/phosphonium salts). This composite approach allows the synergistic interaction between the polymer matrix and crosslinking agent to achieve optimal crosslinking kinetics, balancing speed and stability requirements for commercial applications.
3Speed
If quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt with halogen atom is used, then crosslinking speed is improved, but suitability for non-halogen based polymer is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salts by selecting compounds that contain no halogen atoms. This parameter change maintains the desired crosslinking speed and efficiency while ensuring compatibility with non-halogen based polymers, thus achieving both fast crosslinking and versatility for halogen-free cable applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides high crosslinking rate and degree, improving aging and electrical stability without additional equipment or processes, making it suitable for various cable applications, including non-toxic, non-halogen based cables.
Implementation Method 1
an amine as co-crosslinking agent, wherein said amine has a nucleophilic value (N) of 14 or more
Data Source
AI summary
A cable is provided having at least one elongated conductor surrounded by at least one cross-linked layer, said layer being obtained from a polymer composition comprising a polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an amine as co-crosslinking agent, wherein said amine has a nucleophilic value (N) of 14 or more.